Franklin Templeton, one of the world’s largest asset managers with over $1.6 trillion in assets under management, has expanded its blockchain-based tokenization platform, Benji Investments, to BNB Chain, marking a significant step in its embrace of digital assets.
The firm, founded in 1947 and headquartered in California, is well known for its global mutual funds and investment management services. In recent years, Franklin Templeton has been exploring blockchain technology to modernize traditional finance, with a focus on bringing regulated investment products onto public ledgers. Its flagship project, the Franklin OnChain U.S. Government Money Fund, was the first registered U.S. mutual fund to process transactions and record ownership entirely on blockchain.
By integrating with BNB Chain, Franklin Templeton aims to expand accessibility to its tokenized products. BNB Chain is a leading blockchain network recognized for its speed, low transaction costs, and scalability, qualities that make it attractive for financial institutions experimenting with on-chain assets. The integration means that investors can now access Franklin Templeton’s tokenized funds directly on BNB Chain, potentially reaching millions of users across decentralized platforms.
The move reflects the growing institutional interest in real-world asset (RWA) tokenization. This trend has gained traction as financial firms look to reduce settlement times, improve transparency, and unlock liquidity. Tokenization enables the digital representation of traditional securities, such as money market funds, bonds, or real estate, on blockchain, creating opportunities for fractional ownership and broader investor participation.
However, challenges remain. Regulatory scrutiny of tokenized assets is still developing, and firms like Franklin Templeton must address questions around custody, compliance, and interoperability between blockchains. Ensuring that tokenized funds are transparent, secure, and auditable will be critical to building investor confidence.
With this expansion, Franklin Templeton positions itself at the forefront of the tokenization movement, alongside peers such as BlackRock and JPMorgan, who are also testing blockchain rails for traditional finance. If successful, its adoption of BNB Chain could accelerate mainstream acceptance of tokenized funds and set the stage for wider integration of blockchain technology within global capital markets.
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